Suppose that the function fis defined, for all real numbers, as follows. x-2 if x < -2 f(x) = 3x+2 if x2-2 Graph the function f. Then determine whether or not the function is continuous.

Calculus: Early Transcendentals
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Author:James Stewart
Publisher:James Stewart
Chapter1: Functions And Models
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RCC: (a) What is a function? What are its domain and range? (b) What is the graph of a function? (c) How...
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### Piecewise Function and Continuity

#### Definition of the Function

Suppose that the function \( f \) is defined, for all real numbers, as follows:
\[
f(x) = \begin{cases} 
x - 2 & \text{if } x < -2 \\ 
3x + 2 & \text{if } x \geq -2 
\end{cases}
\]

#### Instructions

Graph the function \( f \). Then determine whether or not the function is continuous.

#### Graphing the Function

To graph the piecewise function \( f \), follow these steps:

1. **For \( x < -2 \)**:
   - The function is \( f(x) = x - 2 \).
   - This is a linear function with a slope of 1 and a y-intercept of -2.
   - Plot the line for \( x < -2 \).

2. **For \( x \geq -2 \)**:
   - The function is \( f(x) = 3x + 2 \).
   - This is a linear function with a slope of 3 and a y-intercept of 2.
   - Plot the line for \( x \geq -2 \).

Remember to plot these sections on the same set of axes to create the complete piecewise graph.

#### Determining Continuity

After graphing the function, check the following to determine the continuity at \( x = -2 \):

- A function is continuous at a point if the limit as \( x \) approaches that point from both the left and the right is equal to the function's value at that point.
- Specifically, verify:
  - \( \lim_{x \to -2^-} f(x) \)
  - \( \lim_{x \to -2^+} f(x) \)
  - \( f(-2) \)

#### Interactive Tools

To draw the function, you can use the tools provided:
- A pencil to draw the lines.
- A point to mark specific coordinates (e.g., checking the value at \( x = -2 \)).

#### Question

Is the function continuous?

**Options:**
- Yes
- No

Use the information gathered from the graph and continuity check to answer this question.
Transcribed Image Text:### Piecewise Function and Continuity #### Definition of the Function Suppose that the function \( f \) is defined, for all real numbers, as follows: \[ f(x) = \begin{cases} x - 2 & \text{if } x < -2 \\ 3x + 2 & \text{if } x \geq -2 \end{cases} \] #### Instructions Graph the function \( f \). Then determine whether or not the function is continuous. #### Graphing the Function To graph the piecewise function \( f \), follow these steps: 1. **For \( x < -2 \)**: - The function is \( f(x) = x - 2 \). - This is a linear function with a slope of 1 and a y-intercept of -2. - Plot the line for \( x < -2 \). 2. **For \( x \geq -2 \)**: - The function is \( f(x) = 3x + 2 \). - This is a linear function with a slope of 3 and a y-intercept of 2. - Plot the line for \( x \geq -2 \). Remember to plot these sections on the same set of axes to create the complete piecewise graph. #### Determining Continuity After graphing the function, check the following to determine the continuity at \( x = -2 \): - A function is continuous at a point if the limit as \( x \) approaches that point from both the left and the right is equal to the function's value at that point. - Specifically, verify: - \( \lim_{x \to -2^-} f(x) \) - \( \lim_{x \to -2^+} f(x) \) - \( f(-2) \) #### Interactive Tools To draw the function, you can use the tools provided: - A pencil to draw the lines. - A point to mark specific coordinates (e.g., checking the value at \( x = -2 \)). #### Question Is the function continuous? **Options:** - Yes - No Use the information gathered from the graph and continuity check to answer this question.
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